Out of the Tub & Into Your Heart

While it may look like your standard run-of-the-mill bath toy, rest assured that Edwin is no ordinary duck.

Developed by Indiana-based pi lab, Edwin the Duck is more than just a bath toy. While Edwin can certainly make cleaning up fun, in part thanks to a waterproof speaker that can play music from any bluetooth-connected device, it’s so much more.

Where Edwin really makes the leap from rubber ducky to your child’s new best friend is through several free apps – more are being developed regularly for both Apple and Android devices – that interact with the duck

Through Edwin’s primary app, you child can tap, tilt and toss Edwin to help him solve puzzles and play multiple games that also double as learning tools. When your child tires of that, Edwin’s built-in speaker plays songs that your child can sing along to.

Parents can also download the Sleepy Time app, which allows them to control Edwin’s built-in night light and adjust the illumination, as well as play soothing sounds and lullabies, all on a timer.

Through the Wellness app, Edwin can also function as a forehead thermometer, and with the Bath Time app parents can monitor water temperature and get other helpful tips.

Edwin is durable, too, which means he’s perfect for taking on the road. Place him in the charging nest overnight, and the battery will last for up to 12 hours.

Last year, Edwin was awarded the prestigious KAPi (Kids at Play Interactive) Award at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, an award given to companies who have moved the dial in kid’s interactive media. “That was the moment that Edwin’s existence was validated,” said Don Inmon of pi lab in a statement after his company received the award. “Our CES experience both on the show floor and as winners of the KAPi helped our business skyrocket.

Edwin the Duck also scored highly in several categories when it was evaluated by the national Lekotek Center’s Able Play System, including cognitive, communication and social/emotional skills.

Edwin the Duck is available at Target and the Apple Store, including the location in Queens Center Mall. It retails for $99.99. For more information, visit edwintheduck.org.